Southern California is the kind of place that makes it impossible to run out of things to see and do. If you want to see SoCal's more unique side, here are 10 spots that everyone must experience while visiting or living in the Golden State.
1. Ruddy's General Store Museum -- 221 S Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
This rare find in Palm Springs will make you long for the good ol' days. Modeled after the general stores of the 1930s, this museum captures the essence of what a real-life general store looked and felt like back in those days. For 95 cents you can take a tour of this unexpected gem in Palm Springs.
2. Potato Chip Rock -- Mt. Woodson in Poway
Sometimes an ordinary hike just won't do. So check out this hike that will take you to an unusual rock that looks just like a potato chip. Do you think you can walk out on the edge?
3. Kate's Lazy Desert -- Yucca Valley
There's nothing more unique than spending the night in the desert in a vintage Airstream. Get cozy in the Yucca Valley for an overnighter in this memorable retro lodging that will make you feel like you've been transported to another decade.
4. The La Jolla Sea Caves
La Jolla is home to seven magnificent caves that are part of a sandstone cliff. You can tour six of the La Jolla Sea Caves by kayak. For a tour on foot, there is one cave in the group known as Sunny Jim Cave that has a man-made tunnel that allows for land-based viewing.
5. The Mushroom House -- South of Black's Beach in La Jolla
While in La Jolla, make sure to carve out some time to stroll by this unusual house near Black's Beach. No, it's not a spaceship or a mushroom; it's just a very unique design for a guest house. Although you can't go inside for a tour (it's a private residence), seeing this house in person from the outside is a classic SoCal experience.
6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park -- 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido
Did you know you could go on safari right here in SoCal? If you're feeling adventurous, check out the Roar and Snore overnight camp where you can sleep in tents out in the wild and experience the safari park after dark.
7. Walt Disney Concert Hall -- 111 S Grand Avenue in Los Angeles
How about a unique adventure that's also completely free? You can take a free guided tour of this stunning concert hall to explore the interior architecture and exterior gardens. Tours take place at set times throughout the day so check the website for the schedule.
8. Hollywood Forever Cemetery -- 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angelesl
Not only is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, but it's also one of the most unique spots in SoCal to see an outdoor movie. Hosted by Cinespia, you can catch an outdoor flick at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on the Fairbanks lawn surrounded by the ghosts of legends past.
9. The Pacific Surfliner/ Amtrak
Take a scenic ride on the Pacific Surfliner that will take you from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on one of the most breathtaking routes in the country. Pure SoCal beauty is what you'll find on this relaxing adventure through the southern part of the Golden State.
10. Big Pines Zipline Tour -- 6047 Park Drive in Wrightwood
This may be the most epic adventure of all. Imagine stepping across a sky bridge deep inside the San Gabriel Mountains with panoramic views of the extensive pine forest. You can do all of this with Big Pines Ziplines in Wrightwood. For more information on details and pricing just head to their website.
Do you have a favorite spot on this list? What other unique locations would you like to add? If the idea of an island sounds like an adventure then you should go ahead and add these 6 SoCal Islands to your bucket list.
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